Organizational Changes

July 6, 2017

What has changed?

In an effort to be good stewards of student-generated funding and to reduce the cost of education, the university has made a bold decision to streamline administrative costs by centralizing Student Affairs facilities management under the Division of Operations. This includes maintenance, custodial and design staff who take care of dining and residence halls, the student unions and recreation complex. This merger is anticipated to save approximately $750,000.

With 165 positions moving to the Division of Operations, the organizational structure and administrative positions in the Division of Student Affairs were re-evaluated. Based on this analysis, the university made a decision to reduce administrative layers by consolidating student programming under an expanded Dean of Students position. These administrative changes will save an additional $745,000. These changes are reflected in the new Student Affairs organizational chart.

How do these changes benefit students?

Creating a leaner organization with fewer bureaucratic layers improves student access to important resources and programs. It also creates savings that can be re-invested in student success initiatives. The university’s goal is to increase student success and decrease the cost of education.

What is a Dean of Students? How is this more efficient?

Across the nation, deans of students play a central role in overseeing programs and services that promote student education and development outside the classroom, coordinating crisis response for students, and serving as a liaison between administrators and student groups.

Previously these responsibilities were split between several administrators, including the vice chancellor for student affairs, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, director of student life and director of residential life. Centralizing student life, Greek life, residential life and recreation programs under an expanded Dean of Students role improves coordination of out-of-classroom programs that contribute to student success.

What will the savings be used for?

These changes will allow us to address immediate budget challenges and plan for strategic investments in programs that contribute to student success.

What positions are being eliminated?

One assistant vice chancellor position, three director positions, one senior associate director position and two administrative support positions. Several facilities management positions will be eliminated; we do not have an exact number at this time.

When will the facilities operations layoffs be announced?

Affected employees will be notified before August.

How many more layoffs do you anticipate?

The number of layoffs depends, in part, on the number of voluntary departures that may occur. The university estimates the operations merger will result in a reduction of 10-15 facilities management positions.

Will that be the end of all the layoffs?

We don’t know. The university will continue to review operations and identify efficiencies as part of our ongoing stewardship and continuous improvement efforts.